MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Toronto FC’s Altidore wins it

NEW YORK – Jozy Altidore might be experiencing problems scoring in World Cup qualifiers, but he is doing quite well in Major League Soccer, thank you.

The Toronto FC forward Tuesday was voted the MLS player of the week by the North American Soccer Reporters.

Altidore scored the eighth brace of his MLS career to lead Toronto FC to a 4-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Field Saturday.

The Reds became the first team to clinch a spot in the MLS playoffs with the victory. The former Red Bulls striker ranks among the top 10 in the Golden Boot standings with 13 goals to go along with his five assists, both matching career highs in MLS regular season play.

Holding an advantage over San Jose at the break, Toronto came out firing in the opening moments of the second half when Victor Vazquez sent Altidore into open space with a through pass. Altidore finished with a left-footed shot from inside the box to the bottom right corner of goal to give the Reds a 2-0 lead in the 48th minute.

Steven Beitashour sent a cross from the right flank into the middle of the box, where Altidore connected with a powerful header to the center of goal to push the hosts’ lead lead to 3-0 in the 64th minute. TFC added another goal in the 66th minute.